The Gift of Sangoma

    By Cameron Makharilele

    The Gift of Sangoma cover image

    16 Aug, 2024

    a woman in a white dress standing in a forest with trees and sunlight shining through the trees behind her, neo-romanticism, a painting, Alice Prin, official art

    Mila, a young girl from the village, was on her usual route through the mystical forest, but today was different. She felt a strange pull, a magnetic force leading her deeper into the woods.

    a woman in a white dress standing in a forest with trees and sunlight shining through the trees behind her, fantasy art, a character portrait, Charlie Bowater, rossdraws global illumination

    Suddenly, from the radiant mist, emerged Sangoma, an ethereal entity, offering Mila a gift - the power of insight. 'This gift,' Sangoma said, 'is often given to those of inappropriate ages, like the 2000s.'

    a girl in a dress standing in front of a house with a garden and flowers in front of her, sots art, a detailed painting, Chizuko Yoshida, official art

    Returning to her village, Mila felt different. She could now see things others couldn't. Her once familiar world was now filled with mystical creatures, hidden portals, and enchanting spells.

    a girl in a green dress standing in front of a house with a green roof and a bird flying over her, remodernism, a detailed matte painting, Anne Said, official art

    The villagers were both fascinated and terrified by Mila's newfound abilities. They couldn't comprehend her powers, and this fear of the unknown led to mistrust.

    a group of people standing around a table with food on it and a fire in the background with a man in the middle, sots art, an album cover, Baiōken Eishun, official art

    The village elders, intrigued by Mila's gift, convened a meeting. They wanted to understand the powers of Sangoma and how it had transformed Mila's life.

    a woman in a medieval dress standing in front of a fireplace with a lit candle in her hand and a lit candle in her other hand, fantasy art, a detailed painting, Andor Basch, official art

    Mila explained her experiences, her visions, and her ability to communicate with the mystical creatures. The elders listened in silence, their faces reflecting a mix of awe and fear.

    a blonde haired woman standing in front of a fire place in a kitchen with a stove and a window, remodernism, a character portrait, Anne Said, official art

    Despite the fear and apprehension, Mila was determined to use her powers for good. She vowed to protect her village and its people from any harm or danger.

    a woman in a kitchen with a fire place in the background and a girl in a dress standing in front of a window, remodernism, concept art, Anne Said, official art

    Mila's mother, although concerned for her daughter's safety, supported her decision. She knew her daughter was special and had faith in her abilities.

    a girl in a white dress standing in a forest with a cat and a bird flying overhead in the background, neo-romanticism, a painting, Alice Prin, official art

    Mila ventured into the forest every night, communing with the mystical creatures, learning their languages, and understanding their ways.

    a girl in a white dress standing in a forest with a full moon in the background and trees in the foreground, fantasy art, a character portrait, Chizuko Yoshida, official art

    One such night, Sangoma reappeared. 'Remember, Mila, with great power comes great responsibility,' it warned, before disappearing into the mist.

    a group of people standing in front of a building with a crowd of people standing around them in front of them, sots art, concept art, Cedric Seaut (Keos Masons), official art

    One day, the village was abuzz with rumors of a monstrous creature lurking in the forest. The villagers were terrified, and they turned to Mila for help.

    a group of girls standing in a forest with trees in the background and a man standing behind them with a sword, sots art, an album cover, Aguri Uchida, official art

    Mila, remembering Sangoma's words, assured the villagers. She promised to use her powers to protect them and ventured into the forest to confront the creature.

    a woman with long blonde hair and red eyes stands in front of a black monster in a forest with red eyes, furry art, poster art, Ayami Kojima, official art

    In the heart of the forest, Mila encountered the monstrous creature. Its red eyes glowed ominously in the darkness, and it towered over her menacingly.

    a girl in a red dress standing in front of a giant monster in a forest with red eyes and a red dress, furry art, poster art, Ayami Kojima, official art

    Mila stood her ground, fearlessly facing the monster. She called upon her powers, speaking in the ancient language of the forest, trying to soothe the agitated beast.

    a woman with long blonde hair and red eyes stands in front of a wolf with red eyes and a red collar, sots art, a character portrait, Ayami Kojima, official art

    To everyone's surprise, the monstrous creature calmed down. It seemed to understand Mila's words. A sense of peace replaced the fear, and the forest sighed in relief.

    a woman with long blonde hair and red eyes stands in a forest with a black cat behind her, looking at the camera, sots art, a character portrait, Anne Said, official art

    The creature, no longer a threat, retreated into the depths of the forest. Mila, victorious yet humble, returned to her village, greeted with cheers and applause.

    a woman in a red vest standing in front of a crowd of people with lanterns above her head and a sky full of lanterns, aestheticism, concept art, Chizuko Yoshida, official art

    The villagers celebrated Mila's bravery and thanked her for her courage. They no longer feared her powers but respected them. The gift of Sangoma had saved their village.

    a girl with long blonde hair and braids standing in front of a crowd of people in a village, remodernism, a character portrait, Chizuko Yoshida, official art

    The village elders, acknowledging Mila's wisdom and maturity, honored her with the title of 'Guardian of the Village'. A title, they agreed, befitting her bravery and dedication.

    a girl with long blonde hair and braids in a kitchen with a fire in the background and a pot of tea on the table, fantasy art, a detailed painting, Artgerm, rossdraws global illumination

    Mila's mother, filled with pride, hugged her daughter tightly. She knew her girl had grown up, transformed by the gift of Sangoma into the guardian of their village.

    a woman in a long dress standing in front of a fire place with a candle in the background and a fire burning in the fireplace, remodernism, a character portrait, Chizuko Yoshida, official art

    Mila, now respected and revered, continued to live her life with courage and responsibility. Her gift was no longer seen as inappropriate but as a blessing.

    a girl in a white dress standing in a forest with long blonde hair and a bow in her hair, neo-romanticism, a painting, Chizuko Yoshida, official art

    Mila would often visit the forest, her second home, continuing to learn and grow. The trees whispered tales of her bravery, spreading her legend far and wide.

    a blonde haired woman in a forest with trees and sunlight shining through her eyes and her hair in a braid, fantasy art, a character portrait, Artgerm, rossdraws global illumination

    Sangoma, watching over Mila, was pleased. The gift had found its rightful owner, a girl of an 'inappropriate' age who had proven that age was just a number.

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